A Guide to the Best Beaches Near Santa Monica, California

The beautiful beaches near Santa Monica, California are among the best in the world. With miles of sandy shores, stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, and plenty of opportunities for relaxation and fun in the sun, there's no shortage of places to enjoy the Southern California lifestyle. In this article, we'll explore the best beaches near Santa Monica, including their addresses, approximate distance from the original location, unique highlights, parking and accessibility, and interesting history. So, pack your sunscreen and let's hit the beach!

Will Rogers State Beach

Address: 17000 CA-1, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Distance from Santa Monica: 4 miles

Unique highlights: This beach has a wide expanse of sand and plenty of space to spread out. It's a great spot for swimming, surfing, and picnicking with its grassy areas and picnic tables. The beach is also known for its beautiful sunset views. Parking and accessibility: There's ample parking available, and the beach is wheelchair accessible. There are also restrooms, showers, and bike racks available.

Santa Monica State Beach

Address: 380 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401

Distance from Santa Monica: 0 miles (this is the original location)

Unique highlights: This is the quintessential Southern California beach with its iconic pier, amusement park, and endless opportunities for people watching. It's a great spot for surfing, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the lively beach scene. Parking and accessibility: There are several public parking lots available, as well as metered street parking. The beach is wheelchair accessible, and there are restrooms, showers, and bike racks available.

Venice Beach

Address: 1800 Ocean Front Walk, Venice, CA 90291

Distance from Santa Monica: 3 miles

Unique highlights: Venice Beach is a bohemian paradise with its colorful street performers, vendors, and artists. It's a great spot for people watching and soaking up the eclectic vibe. The beach also has a world-famous outdoor gym, Muscle Beach. Parking and accessibility: There are several public parking lots available, as well as metered street parking. The beach is wheelchair accessible, and there are restrooms, showers, and bike racks available.

Manhattan Beach

Address: 400-500 The Strand, Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Distance from Santa Monica: 15 miles

Unique highlights: Manhattan Beach is a quieter and more upscale beach than some of the others on this list. It's a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the local restaurants and shops. The beach also hosts the Manhattan Beach Open Volleyball Tournament every year. Parking and accessibility: There's limited street parking available, but it's often crowded. There are also several parking lots available for a fee. The beach is wheelchair accessible, and there are restrooms, showers, and bike racks available.

Conclusion: From the lively scene at Santa Monica State Beach to the bohemian paradise of Venice Beach, and the upscale ambiance of Manhattan Beach, there's a beach near Santa Monica for every preference. Each beach has its own unique highlights, history, and accessibility. So, pack your bags and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf at these beautiful Southern California beaches.